Poker

Even though I was first introduced to Poker (Texas Hold'em) rules back in 2003, but it's not until I watched the movie "Rounders" did it really spark an interest in me to learn how to play the game. I think the single most striking thing I recall from that movie with Matt Daemon is "know when to fold a hand"... (still working on that... hehee... =)

Just like all beginners, I usually just toss around some chips with friends. There was one time I played with real money for a Tsunami related cause, which I ended up winning purely by luck. I pretty much had no clue what I was doing. But I played a few more games this past month, and playing more frequently with chips did help to familiarize me with the game more.

So on Sunday night, I played my second $$ game, "no-limit tourney" style. And I WON!! I posted the pictures of one of the most "dramatic" hands below for your entertainment. Luck some times does have something to do with it...

the Hand: (3 players in the game at that point)

- I get A+7 in spade, also in the big blind position (20)
- player A (dealer position) folds
- player B (small blind, 10) bets 50
- I call the 50
===> Flop: Ace, King, King


- player B checks
- I raise (some larger amount, I forget, something around 200 I think)
- player B thinks for a long long long time, and raise All-In.
- I did not hesitate and went all-in


==> at this point we flip over our cards, I have A+7, B has pair of 10's. the "Turn" card came down and it's a 10!!! ( I am thinking, Oh, no, I am going to lose for sure now... )


==> so when everyone thought the 3 10's are going to get it, the most interesting thing happened when the "river" card came down, and it's a -----------> !!!

Ok, so I think both of us made a slight mistake there (anyone care to comment?)

Player B should have folded when he sees 2 kings and an ace on the flop; I should not have gone all-in maybe because it's very likely that B has a King in his hand to be raising All-Ins.. well, unless, I was thinking, why did he check on the flop round then? if he indeed had the King, but then again, he could be trying to reel me in as well.... or he could have a hand of Ace + higher card.. After the "turn" card, the only cards that could help me win would be either Ace or another King... Um... the probability is ???

--> Anyone care to comment? also, what's the way to calculate say Ace+J/Q vs. a low/mid pair?

The lesson I learned: I need to play some more!! ==> note that I only won a handful of Single dollars... hehee... low tuition fee.